Tokyo Bubble Life

Chapter 1406, page 1415: The struggle for destiny is terrifying!

Naoki Nagayama, propping his head up with one hand on a luxurious desk, looked somewhat helpless in the Tree Friends Building.

"Well"

With his other hand tapping on the table, his eyes gazing at the bright sky outside the window, he couldn't help but feel an urge to go out and enjoy his freedom.

However, he must have come to the Tree Friends Building for important business!

"Knock knock." There was a knock on the office door, and Watanabe Eiichiro walked in. "Naoki-san."

"Hmm~"

Eiichiro Watanabe handed him a thick stack of reports:

"These are the overseas box office results for 'Jurassic Park'."

In those days, there was no such thing as a simultaneous global release. After Jurassic Park was released in Japan, it took half a month before it was released in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. As for Europe and America, it was only confirmed after Naoki Nagayama negotiated with Hollywood, and it was not released yet.

"Okay, okay, I'll come and see."

Naoki Nagayama had no choice but to take the report and read it carefully.

"And these are the schedules and related plans for the upcoming releases in Europe and America."

Eiichiro Watanabe handed over another thick document.

“We communicated with the issuing companies in various countries for a long time before finally determining the specific settlement method.”

This time, a revenue-sharing model is being used, so Tree Friends Pictures needs to seek an audit from a professional auditing firm. The settlement cycle is also quite complicated.

"Okay, okay, I'll take a look too."

Naoki Nagayama accepted the document again, deciding to look at it later.

"and this."

God knows how Eiichiro Watanabe came to have so many documents.

"This is a re-release plan for 'Departures' in Japanese cinemas after it won an Oscar."

"."

After reaching out to take it, Naoki Nagayama stared at Eiichiro Watanabe with dead fish eyes.

"Eiichiro, if you dare to pull out a document from behind your back again, I'll shove it into your mouth!!"

"."

Upon hearing this, Watanabe Eiichiro stopped reaching behind his back!

There was also an application form for new staff at the Shuyu Film Department, which was originally intended for Naoki Nagayama, the person in charge of the film department.

Never mind, I'll just give this to Otomo-san.

"Haha, Naoki-san, I just had an itchy back, I was just scratching it."

"It better be!"

Naoki Nagayama snorted, then continued to bury himself in the documents.

"Go ahead and get busy. I'll let you know when I've finished looking at it."

"Hi! I'll take my leave now!"

After Eiichiro Watanabe left, Naoki Nagayama sighed.

That was just part of his work for today; his main task today was something else!

"Dong dong."

The office door was knocked open again, and Yoshimura Otomo walked in without any ceremony.

"Alright, Naoki-san, it's time for the shareholders' meeting!"

It's April now, the first month after the fiscal year for Japanese companies. The previous year's financial statements have been completed, and after they are announced at the shareholders' meeting, taxes can be paid.

".good."

Naoki Nagayama seemed somewhat listless; he didn't want to attend this pointless meeting.

However, although most of the shares are in the hands of the three of them, a portion was given to the Kadokawa Group, so a procedure must be followed.

Upon arriving at the conference room, I saw that Haruki Kadokawa and two assistants were already there, talking to Shuichi Itō.

"Ah, Naoki-san, you've come!"

Haruki Kadokawa stood up and said with a smile,

"It's been so long since we've had a drink together! We definitely have to grab a drink later!"

"Haha, tonight, tonight then."

Naoki Nagayama also said with a smile,

"There are still many meetings to attend during the day!"

"Let's go tonight! Roppongi, of course!"

Haha, okay~

Yoshimura Otomo and Itō Shuichi naturally agreed to go along as well.

After exchanging pleasantries, the shareholders' meeting of Shuyou Group officially began. There were only four shareholders in total.

In fact, with the development of the Kadokawa Group, the original investment has yielded a return of a thousandfold. Now, the Kadokawa Group's assistance is basically limited to film distribution and some collaborations in the entertainment industry.

The gap between the two sides has widened considerably, but Naoki Nagayama has no intention of removing Kadokawa from the shareholder list. In fact, he even wants to release some of his shares to attract other Japanese capital.

In Japan, complex cross-shareholdings and the exchange of interests among shareholders are the foundation of any behemoth that aspires to become a chaebol.

In this way, when turmoil comes, it can stand firm like a deeply rooted tree. The Tree Friends Group is still far from achieving this!

Haruki Kadokawa didn't pay much attention to the tedious financial report presentation, since there would be a backup anyway. Only his two assistants listened attentively and diligently performed their duties.

"Why do I have to come all this way in person to see this financial report?"

Half an hour later, Haruki Kadokawa stood up and stretched.

"Why don't you just send a copy to my company?"

Yoshimura Otomo shook his head:

"Spring Tree Mulberry, this is the rule!"

"In the future, when there are more shareholders, we will hold this event every six months!"

"Oh?" Kadokawa Haruki understood the implication. "Kiyu, are you planning to expand your shareholding?"

"Yes, that's a thought I've had."

Naoki Nagayama nodded.

"In the future, TreeFriends will definitely expand internationally, and in some countries, it will need to attract local support through equity investment."

"That's it, that's it!"

Haruki Kadokawa was somewhat excited. He knew that if the Shuyu Group were to release the news of its capital increase and share expansion, countless large companies would rush to offer money, and even the major conglomerates would be tempted.

At the same time, he was secretly plotting whether he could contact some of his contacts and make a move in advance.

"Naoki-san, when?"

"This year, maybe."

"I'd like to ask, does TreeFriend Group plan to go public?"

"There are no plans for that at the moment."

Naoki Nagayama's goal wasn't to go public and raise money. As for making money, he had Shuyu Capital. One operation could earn him more money than most companies could earn in decades!

After seeing Kadokawa Haruki off, Naoki Nagayama did not go directly back to his office to review the documents, but instead went to Yoshimura Otomo's office.

"Xiu Yisang, what is the cabinet's reaction to the new 'culture-based nation' strategy?"

"That's an exceptionally good reaction!"

Shuichi Itō had a big smile on his face.

"Prime Minister Doi highly approves of this and has already put me in charge of refining the details!"

"What? The detailed rules are already being finalized?"

Naoki Nagayama was quite surprised. Generally speaking, such strategic policies require a long period of research and discussion, and may even need to be reviewed at a hearing before a professional team can begin to refine the details.

"Yes. Mr. Doi hasn't made any major moves since taking office; he's using this strategy as his first major initiative!"

Itō Shuichi said with a smile,

"And because it's highly feasible, the expectations are also very high!"

"That's it"

Naoki Nagayama rolled his eyes and thought that this was a good idea, as it would make it easier for tree enthusiasts to gain higher profits.

"Then, Mr. Xiu, let us help you assemble another think tank. You'll need professional personnel to refine these things."

Such a complex task could not possibly be completed by Shuichi Itō alone. Just like the previous "Film Industry Practitioners Protection Act," he also sought the assistance of an experienced think tank.

"Yes, we can invite the members from last time again."

Itō nods.

"However, if I'm taking the lead this time, I'll still need to select some people from the Social Democratic Party."

"Yes, after all, it's a matter of national importance."

Just then, Yoshimura Otomo suddenly spoke up and asked;

"By the way, Shuichi-san, has Yoshihiko Noda continued to get closer to you lately?"

"He hasn't contacted me in a long time!"

Shuichi Itō pursed his lips.

"That guy, while I was in the US, used his position as a member of Congress to promote cultural support proposals in the House of Representatives and within the ruling party, acting like he wanted to spearhead the proposal."

"But everyone in the ruling party can see that this guy has a shallow foundation; everyone is just echoing him verbally."

Upon hearing this, Naoki Nagayama smiled:

"Haha, is he trying to get rich quick?"

"By the way, Otomo-san, hasn't Noda checked in on you in a long time either?"

"Yes, I've made a lot of new 'friends'!"

Yoshimura Otomo shook his head and smiled.

"So, guys my age probably don't have anything in common to talk about!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, getting carried away!"

In my memory, Yoshihiko Noda was a very shrewd and approachable person, which is why he eventually became the Prime Minister of Japan.

However, that was after many years of experience at the grassroots level.

Perhaps it was because he invested in the tree too early in his life that he was able to quickly rise to the high position of a member of Congress, making this young man a little too complacent!

"Haha. It's good to distance ourselves for now and let him calm down~"

Yoshimura Otomo laughed,

"This way he'll know how important the support from his fellow tree growers is to him!"

"After some time, Xiu Yisang can try to win him over and make him the vanguard of your cultural nation-building strategy!"

"Hahaha, good!"

Shuichi Itō nodded in agreement. There were still many hurdles to overcome before this strategy could be truly implemented.

Having finished recounting the intricacies of politics, Yoshimura Ōtomo inquired of Nagayama Naoki:

"Naoki-san, what are your plans for filming in the second half of the year?"

"The second half of the year?"

Naoki Nagayama's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief.

"Otomo-san, Jurassic Park just finished filming and is still showing in theaters. Are you already asking me to move on to the next project?!"

"You're exploiting me way too much! Don't I need to rest?"

"And it's exploiting the boss?!"

"..." Yoshimura Otomo rolled his eyes. "What do you mean by exploitation? All the money you earn is yours!"

"And are we going to film it now? Didn't we say it would be in the second half of the year?"

"You know, we used to shoot four movies a year!! One movie a quarter!"

As Shuichi Itō watched the two of them, one big and one small, bickering, he felt a sense of déjà vu. It seemed like only yesterday that he was still working at the Tree Friends Association, and he had been discussing work with Naoki-san in the same way!

I miss it so much!

So, to intensify this sense of remembrance, he fanned the flames from the sidelines:

"Yes, yes, we used to release one every three months!"

Naoki-san, how can you take a break at your age?!

Is it already impossible now?

"!!!"

Alright, alright, Shuichi-san, is that how you talk? Then the war is about to begin!!!

"Shuichi-san, was the blue 'Carefree Pill' effective before?! You have to accept getting old!"

Upon noticing the keyword, Yoshimura Otomo's gaze immediately shifted to Itō Shuichi!

"???"

Itō Shuichi choked on his tea.

"Naoki-san, you're slandering me! I never use that kind of stuff!"

"Hehehe, Otomo-san, do you believe that? I don't!"

Naoki Nagayama, anyway, didn't believe it.

"Shuichi used it when he was in America!"

“Oh, Xiu-san. Tsk tsk tsk.”

Yoshimura Otomo immediately looked at Itoh Shuichi with disdain, it was hard to tell whether he was criticizing his use of drugs or envying his experience in America!

"Otomo-san, what are you laughing at like a dog? Haven't you been using it for a long time?!"

"???!!"

You actually turned your gun on me?! Shuichi Itō, you're something else!!

Shuichi Itō's face was contorted with rage at this moment:

"Trying to drag me down with you? Then let's all sink together!!"

"That's what Naoki-san said, not what I said!"

"I can't find Naoki-san's weakness!"

The two of them immediately looked at Naoki Nagayama, the only one who hadn't been dragged into this mess. However, Naoki Nagayama, who was leaning back on the sofa, shrugged and said, "Hahaha, anyway, I never use any drugs and I don't have a promiscuous private life!"

After thinking for a long time, Shuichi Itō finally managed to utter a sentence:

"Naoki-san, you've only ever slept with one woman in your entire life!"

"That's called being devoted!"

"."

In the end, Naoki Nagayama was kicked out of Otomo Yoshimura's office by the two of them, achieving a complete victory!

Feeling relaxed and in a good mood, Naoki Nagayama glanced at the door to his office next door, hesitated for a few seconds, and then decided not to go in and look at the documents to ruin his mood.

He turned and walked towards the elevator, deciding to go to the animation department on the fifth floor to check out the latest comics.

After all, the animation industry is a very important part of building a nation based on culture. This can be seen as him taking precautions and inspecting the work!

Of course, Naoki Nagayama's arrival attracted the attention of the entire animation division, with Gosho Aoyama, Yoshihiro Togashi, and Hayao Miyazaki all coming to greet him.

"Naoki-san!" "Welcome, Naoki-san!" "Naoki-san, this way please."

Looking at the anime division, which was even more popular than before, Naoki Nagayama was somewhat puzzled:

"You've hired quite a few people this year, haven't you?"

"Hi!"

Gosho Aoyama nodded.

"Because two new work groups have been opened, we've increased our manpower!"

"A newly added working group?"

"Yes, as Naoki-san instructed beforehand."

Gosho Aoyama brought Naoki Nagayama to one of them.

"Two new items have been added: *UFO White Book* and *Detective Conan*."

"As for Miyazaki, 'My Neighbor Totoro' is finished, and there's time to work on 'Kiki's Delivery Service,' so no new projects are needed."

"I see."

Naoki Nagayama stood behind a workbench, looking at the sketch of "Yufu Hakusho" on it.

In comic creation, the main panels and characters are drawn by the original artist, while other supplementary parts can be drawn by other artists as assistants.

The sketches for this "Yufu Hakusho" were drawn by Yoshihiro Togashi, but in Naoki Nagayama's opinion, the style was very similar to that of his previous life.

In his previous life, Yoshihiro Togashi's characters mostly had small square faces, compact features, sharp angles, and strong lines, which gave them a very distinctive personal style.

However, when I draw it now, it has some traces of "Slam Dunk" and has become more gentle.

"You're Togashi-kun's main writer, right? Very good."

Naoki Nagayama looked at Yoshihiro Togashi.

When will the serialization begin?

"The plan is for May!"

Yoshihiro Togashi said,

"Just in time for Children's Day"

"Oh? That's really nice!"

Originally a shonen manga aimed at teenagers, it's sure to be a pleasant surprise this holiday!

"Is it still in Weekly Shonen Sunday?"

"Hi!"

First it was "Slam Dunk," then "Yubo White Book." Naoki Nagayama looked at Gosho Aoyama, and then at his "Detective Conan."

It feels like Weekly Shonen Jump's flagship manga is going to be snatched away by Weekly Shonen Sunday!

In the future, when people think of comics, they might think of Shogakukan first instead of Shueisha!

Wow, the struggle for destiny is terrifying!

"Haha, not bad, not bad."

Naoki Nagayama is becoming increasingly indifferent to the butterfly effect!

After reviewing the progress of the two manga, Naoki Nagayama arrived at the separate offices of Studio Ghibli, where the art style was completely different, like a fairy tale.

"Naoki-san's script is still being written; the project is currently in its early stages, including drawing backgrounds and gathering character information."

Miyazaki first explained the progress, then took out a portrait drawing.

"However, after Xia Hua came last time, we already drew a portrait based on her eyebrows and eyes."

Naoki Nagayama took the prototype drawing and saw that it depicted a girl who was already over ten years old, with chubby cheeks, round arms, and mischievous eyes—she was very cute.

Although she has grown up quite a bit, you can still tell from her facial features that these are her own daughter's eyebrows and eyes!

"Haha, I wish my little Huajiang would be this cute when she grows up!"

Naoki Nagayama was naturally very satisfied with this prototype drawing.

"Miyazaki-kun, good luck! I hope to see this animated film released by the end of the year!"

"."

Hearing the deadline, Miyazaki felt a little nervous, but he still nodded in agreement.

"I will definitely work hard!"

"Uh-huh."

Naoki Nagayama patted him on the shoulder.

"The cabinet may introduce policies to support the cultural industry this year. As an important part of this, the animation industry may receive significant support."

"I hope your new work will be among the first wave."

"what?!"

Upon suddenly hearing this policy information, Hayao Miyazaki was jolted awake.

If the country is willing to support animation, then the works of these practitioners will surely achieve far greater success than before!

"Hey, I'll definitely do my best!"

"Um"

Naoki Nagayama looked around.

"By the way, where's the photocopier? I need to make a copy of this prototype to take back as a gift for Huajiang."

"Ah, Naoki-san, just take it. We have a backup!"

"That's troublesome!"

"No trouble at all."

(End of this chapter)